Many computer keyboard buttons are constructed of capacitors as shown in. When a key is pushed down, the soft insulator between the movable plate and the fixed plate is compressed. When the key is pressed, what happens to the capacitance? (a) It increases. (b) It decreases. (c) It changes in a way you cannot determine because the electric circuit connected to the keyboard button may cause a change in &VBOTT;AV. B Key- Movable plate- Insulator Fixed plate-

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### Understanding Keyboard Capacitors

Many computer keyboard buttons are constructed of capacitors, as shown in the diagram below. When a key is pushed down, the soft insulator between the movable plate and the fixed plate is compressed. When the key is pressed, what happens to the capacitance?

(a) It increases.
(b) It decreases.
(c) It changes in a way you cannot determine because the electric circuit connected to the keyboard button may cause a change in \(\Delta V\).

#### Diagram Explanation
The diagram illustrates the structure of a keyboard button capacitor:

- **Key**: The top part of the button.
- **Movable plate**: The part that moves down when the key is pressed.
- **Insulator**: A soft material that compresses as the key is pressed.
- **Fixed plate**: The stationary part of the capacitor underneath the insulator.

When a key is pushed down, the movable plate gets closer to the fixed plate, compressing the insulator. This compression affects the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the movable and fixed plates.

Capacitance (\(C\)) is given by the formula:
\[ C = \frac{\varepsilon A}{d} \]
where:

- \( \varepsilon \) = permittivity of the insulator material
- \( A \) = area of the plates
- \( d \) = distance between the plates

As the distance \( d \) decreases when the key is pressed, the capacitance \( C \) increases.

So, the correct answer is (a) It increases.

---
This text is designed to educate on the basic principles of capacitance as related to keyboard functionality and represents how such fundamental concepts are applied in everyday technology.
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding Keyboard Capacitors Many computer keyboard buttons are constructed of capacitors, as shown in the diagram below. When a key is pushed down, the soft insulator between the movable plate and the fixed plate is compressed. When the key is pressed, what happens to the capacitance? (a) It increases. (b) It decreases. (c) It changes in a way you cannot determine because the electric circuit connected to the keyboard button may cause a change in \(\Delta V\). #### Diagram Explanation The diagram illustrates the structure of a keyboard button capacitor: - **Key**: The top part of the button. - **Movable plate**: The part that moves down when the key is pressed. - **Insulator**: A soft material that compresses as the key is pressed. - **Fixed plate**: The stationary part of the capacitor underneath the insulator. When a key is pushed down, the movable plate gets closer to the fixed plate, compressing the insulator. This compression affects the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the movable and fixed plates. Capacitance (\(C\)) is given by the formula: \[ C = \frac{\varepsilon A}{d} \] where: - \( \varepsilon \) = permittivity of the insulator material - \( A \) = area of the plates - \( d \) = distance between the plates As the distance \( d \) decreases when the key is pressed, the capacitance \( C \) increases. So, the correct answer is (a) It increases. --- This text is designed to educate on the basic principles of capacitance as related to keyboard functionality and represents how such fundamental concepts are applied in everyday technology.
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